Expert Tips to Repair Power Cords and Plugs

Two of the common parts in every major appliances and furnace are power cords and plugs. The great thing about these elements being present in almost every electronic appliance is that its components are basically the same despite being used in different furnaces. So when you know how to fix the broken power cord or plug of your computer, you’ll know what to do when the power cord or plug of your electric stove gets broken.

If you don’t know how to handle a broken power cord or plug, here are some tips from Myrtle Beach electrician.

Identify the Source of Power Cords and Plugs Problems

Regularly check all appliance cords and find out if they are still working properly or if there are any problems. Most frayed or broken cords could be out of sight so it is important that you make time at least once a month to check each of your power cords.

When you think a cord could be faulty, confirm by testing it with a continuity tester. This tester will tell you whether a cord or plug is faulty or working efficiently. Usually, a tester lights up or buzzes when test points are working.

When the tester tells you a part of the plug is not working, identify the source of the problem by removing the plug and testing all test points of the cord. You can be sure that the problem is in the plug when the tester lights up or buzzes at all test points in the power cord.

Once you’ve identified the main source of the problem, replace that specific part before attempting to use the appliance.

Replacing an Appliance Cord

To replace a power cord, you must first remove the faulty and worn out one. For some appliances, it’s easy to remove the power cord. You simply have to remove the cover from a connection box. For other appliances, however, you’ll need to partially disassemble the entire unit to reach the terminals and remove the cord.

Usually, there is a clamp or fitted strain-relief device to keep the cord in place. You can either loosen the clamp or remove the strain-relief device in order to safely pull the cord. When installing the new cord, don’t forget to replace the strain-relief device or tighten the clamp. These could be easily damaged if not handled properly. If you end up damaging the clamp or strain-relief device simply replace it before using the appliance.

Making New Connections

There are some appliances where conductor ends are looped around the terminal wires. When making new connections, carefully strip the outer insulation for about 2 inches at the end of the cord. Strip this wire for about 1/2 inch from the end of each conductor wire. Twist the exposed wire filaments into solid prongs. Loosen each terminal screw and loop each twisted wire filament around each screw. Tighten the screws firmly once done.

Fixing Faulty Plugs

When the problem lies within the plugs, all you have to do is to remove the plugs and replace them with new ones. To replace a worn out plug, you’ll usually have to open and take the plug apart.

There are two types of plugs found in appliances: the male plugs and female plugs. The male plugs have two blades or two blades and a grounding prong. Male plugs plug into an electric outlet.

Female plugs have terminal holes instead of blades. These are often used at the appliance end of the cord. Female plugs are held together either by rivets or screws. Screw-held plugs could be taken apart and be replaced but those female plugs held in place by rivets cannot be repaired.

Replacing Plugs

Before replacing the plugs, you may have to open it and check whether conductor wires are properly attached to the plug’s screw terminals. Loosed or improperly connected wires are sometimes the reason why plugs fail to work. If this does not fix the problem, then you will have to replace the plugs.

Attaching New Male Plug

After removing the faulty male plug, it’s time to attach a new male plug. Insert the cord through the plug opening. Keep pushing the plug through until five-six inches of cord are inserted. Strip the cord’s outer insulation for about 2 inches. Use a wire stripper to remove about 1/2 inch of the outer insulation of each conductor wire.

Twist the exposed filaments into solid prongs and loop these around the screw terminal before tightening the screw. If the screws have different colors, match it with the colors of the exposed wire.

Once you are done securing the wires to the terminal screws, slide the cardboard insulator over the blades of the plug. If it has a clamp-type sleeve, clamp it firmly and securely around the cord.

If all of this talk about cords and plugs intimidates you then you will want you call on your local Myrtle Beach electrician – MB Electrician Pros. Having a periodic inspection of your homes electric system will save you from a possible disaster.